First Female Pilots With License

Celebrating women’s contributions throughout the history of aviation is important. Despite being a male-dominated industry, women around the world have always been rising up to the challenge and destroying society’s ideals.

In this post, we want to remember the very first female pilots to ever receive their license. These women lived in a time where gender roles and discrimination are still very active but they fought long and hard to achieve their goals.

Raymonde de Laroche

When talking about women in aviation, one can never overlook Raymonde de Laroche’s achievements. She is recognized for being the first woman in the world to receive a pilot’s license. Her interest in sports and motorized vehicles may have seemed unconventional at the time, but they eventually helped her set a world record. De Laroche received her pilot’s license on March 8, 1910 in France.

Harriet Quimby

Harriet Quimby is the world’s second woman and the first woman in the U.S. to earn her pilot’s license. Back then, the Aero Club officials were hesitant to issue the coveted certificate to a woman. However, her education and flight skills cannot be denied, and she has passed all the required qualifications. After thorough discussions and considerations, she finally received her pilot’s license on August 1, 1911.

Lydia Vissarionovna Zvereva

This lady is known for being the first woman to earn her pilot’s license in Russia. On August 22, 1911, the Russian Aviation Association Flying School in Gatchina issued Zvereva her license after recognizing her achievements as an aviator. Raymonde de Laroche encouraged women worldwide to enter aviation, and Zvereva is one of them.

Bessie Coleman

The early 20th century was very difficult for African-Americans and women. As an African-American woman, Bessie Coleman faced massive obstacles including sexism, racial discrimination, and financial difficulties before finally achieving her dream. Coleman traveled to France to learn about aviation and on June 15, 1921, she successfully received her pilot’s license in Paris.

These four women have worked, fought, and studied hard to become pilots. Nowadays, women are still hesitant to enter such a complex and well-known field. We hope that these ladies help motivate you to pursue this highly rewarding industry.